The Women’s Interest Network, or WIN, is ExxonMobil’s global initiative to empower and motivate women across the company. In Guyana, the network is growing in reach and impact, according to Emi Esechie, External Reporting Supervisor and WIN advisor.
Esechie, who has been with ExxonMobil for over 16 years, was highlighted by the company on its INFORMal Podcast as part of its celebration of women making history in Guyana’s oil and gas industry in March.
WIN functions as a platform for women to share experiences, mentor each other, and develop skills that enrich their professional journeys. “It’s a global network within ExxonMobil, and the purpose is to empower and motivate women throughout the corporation,” Esechie explained.
Though Esechie holds the title of advisor, she credits others with the network’s progress in Guyana. “The committee heads… have run with it. Charlene Jordan, Keisha Gilkes, Michelle, and Rochelle have made WIN what it is today,” she said.
WIN organizes activities such as mentorship events, leadership book discussions, and ‘Ask Me Anything’ sessions with visiting leaders. “They create a full calendar of events. The only time I know the events are happening is when I get the email,” Esechie shared.
One notable success is a fully curated library conceived and executed by Charlene Jordan. “From inception to execution, it’s been just a wonderful journey to see that come about.”
WIN also allows employees to practice informal leadership, Esechie said. “A lot of us are individual contributors, but within WIN, you can be leaders in forming or coordinating an event.”
She said the network is now moving into a more strategic phase: “This year’s theme is time management. We’re arranging all the events to reinforce that. By the end of the year, if you don’t know anything about time management, you will.”
Esechie sees the affiliate in Guyana as unique in its gender diversity. “Over 50% of our local employees are women. That is wild,” she said. “Even in leadership, like supervisor level, more women than there are men.”
She believes the industry’s newness in Guyana could be part of the reason: “Everybody’s starting from a new place.”
Esechie is driven by challenge, fair compensation, and meaningful work. “Interesting work, not easy work,” she said. “And the bonus is, I get to work with really good people.”
While she doesn’t love public speaking, she acknowledges it as part of the job. “With ExxonMobil, you’re always going to get to a position where you have to speak or lead,” she said.
